Slow Cooking Collard Greens is an easy way to make this classic soul food staple. Slow cooking allow the flavor of the tender collard greens and the smoked ham hocks to meld perfectly. Follow along with me as I show you how easy it is make a great tasting pot of greens.
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Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhat is a Ham Hock?
Collard greens are delicious in and off themselves but what give it that added and unique flavor is the addition of the smoked meat. I often use ham hocks, bacon or smoked turkey to my greens. Each adding a delicious and unique flavor.
Ham hock is the pig knuckle. It has traditional been used to season greens, soups and stews for generations. It adds such a rich flavor and the , adding richness and depth to the dish. They are often used to flavor beans, greens, and broths, lending a smoky, savory taste.
Watch Video Tutorial for Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Ingredients
- Collard Greens: Collard green are hearty and slightly bitter in taste. Make sure to thoroughly clean them before use.
- Ham Hocks: Smoked ham hocks adds a smoky flavor and depth to the dish, as well as a savory, meaty texture.
- Chicken Stock: Chicken Stock enhances adds a savory flavor, adding richness and depth to the broth.
- Water: Water is used to dilutes the chicken stock slightly to balance the intensity of the flavors.
- Butter: Butter is used to saute the onion and garlic.
- Onion: Onion adds an aromatic depth and sweetness that helps to balance the bitterness of the greens.
- Garlic: Garlic, another aromatic that complements the other ingredients and enhances the overall taste.
- White Vinegar: White Vinegar adds acidity to brighten and balance the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: The Red Pepper Flakes add heat to give a slight kick to the collard greens.
- Black Pepper: Black Pepper adds a familiar earthy spice complementing the dish.
- Salt: The Salt enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients and brings the dish together.
What You Will Need
Instructions for Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Step 1: Browning the Onion and Garlic
Turn your pot to the browning setting and add the butter. If your slow cooker does not have a browning setting you can do this step in a skillet. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes or until your onion is just translucent.
Step 2: Cooking the Collard Greens
Change the slow cooker setting to slow cook on high. Add the ham hocks and half of your collard greens.
Add the chicken broth and water.
Add the chicken broth and water. Season with the red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt then cover and allow it to cook until your greens begin to shrink.
Add the remaining collard greens and allow your green to cook for 3 and a half hours or until your greens have reached your desired tenderness.
Step 3: Seasoning the Collard Greens
After 3 and half hours pour in the vinegar and mix well.
What to Eat With Collard Greens and Ham Hock
Collard Greens and Ham Hocks goes great with many other soul food staples. The pair well with Fried Chicken, Smothered Chicken, Pork Chops or Smothered Turkey Wings just to name a few. All of these are enhanced by the rich hearty flavor of collard greens. In addition to your main meat, cornbread, candied yams and potato salad can round off your soul food plate.
What to Do With Leftovers Collard Greens and Ham Hocks
Leftover collard greens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container and consume them within this timeframe. Be mindful that after 4 days your collard greens should be discarded.
To freeze collard greens, again place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be store for up to 10 months but it is recommended to consume them within 6 month for the best flavor.
Other Great Recipes
- Honey Glazed Ham – Every holiday table deserves a great tasting ham. This easy recipe is holiday approved
- Thanksgiving Recipes – Here you will find all the recipes you will need for a perfect Thanksgiving!
- Thanksgiving Desserts – Get ready to wow your guest with these tasty Thanksgiving desserts.
- Fried Cabbage – This fried cabbage recipe is just what you need as a side dish in your next meal.
How to Make Collard Greens in a Slow Cooker
12
servings12
minutes4
hoursIngredients
2 ½lbs Collard Greens
2 Ham Hocks
4 Cups Chicken Broth
2 Cups Water
1 Onion
3 cloves Garlic
1 Tbsp Butter
2 TbspstVinegar
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Salt
Directions
- Turn your pot to the browning setting and add the butter. If your slow cooker does not have a browning setting you can do this step in a skillet.
- Add the onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes or until your onion is just translucent.
- Change the slow cooker setting to slow cook on high. Add the ham hocks and half of your collard greens.
- Add the chicken broth and water.
- Season with the red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt then cover and allow it to cook until your greens begin to shrink.
- Add the remaining collard greens and allow your green to cook for 3 and a half hours or until your greens have reached your desired tenderness.
- After 3 and half hours pour in the vinegar and mix well.
Recipe Video
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